The Uttar Pradesh government is set to launch the state’s first vintnery tour on June 15 at Maeve Meadery in Lucknow’s Mal area, marking a significant step under the newly implemented UP Excise Policy 2025-26. Excise Minister Nitin Agarwal will inaugurate the initiative, with Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh visiting the facility the following day.
Tour Details and Offerings
The two-hour tour, available for booking online via Maeve Meadery’s official website, will initially operate only on Saturdays. Participants can explore the vineyard, partake in wine tastings, and learn about the local wine-making process. A licensed on-site shop will allow visitors to purchase products, in compliance with the state’s excise policy.
Government’s Vision and Future Plans
UP Excise Commissioner Adarsh Singh emphasized that the initiative aligns with the policy’s goal of promoting wineries in the state, benefiting both entrepreneurs and farmers. “Wine is being manufactured from local produce, such as mangoes,” Singh told HT, adding that two more wineries in Saharanpur and Muzaffarnagar are expected to launch similar tours soon.
Meadery’s Unique Approach
Maeve Meadery founder Madhvendra Deo Singh explained that the facility produces mead—a honey and fruit-based wine with 8-14% alcohol content—without artificial additives. “We use locally sourced fruits, multi-flower honey, and mustard honey from Katarnia Ghat,” he said. The mead is made from mango, mulberry, and mint, with natural alcohol generation rather than fermentation.
Tourism and Cultural Events
Inauguration day activities on June 15 will include mango-eating contests, straw weaving, mud baths, and nature walks. The winery tour, priced at ₹500 per person, will feature tasting sessions and is expected to collaborate with UP Tourism for broader promotion.
Broader Economic Impact
The Excise Policy aims to generate ₹63,000 crore in revenue while supporting fruit farmers. By permitting brewery and winery tours in partnership with the tourism department, the policy seeks to create new avenues for agro-tourism in the state.
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